Today’s Workout: Crisscross hop squat gets you jumping

Marlo Alleva More Content Now

Wednesday

Apr 11, 2018 at 1:01 AMApr 12, 2018 at 6:05 PM

Spring has definitely sprung. The days are getting longer and the weather's almost perfect.You may have a skip in your step and whether it's motivated by bathing suit season or just feeling the warm sun on your skin, you have extra energy to burn.Our move today is a crisscross hop squat. It's a perfect combination move to get the heart pumping. This move will work your inner and outer thighs, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also doubles as a cardio workout.Begin by standing tall, feet set slightly wider than your hips. Engage the core, and tuck your arms up by your chest for balance. From your outside stance, hop your feet inward crossing at the ankles. Bouncing off your feet, quickly hop back out to a wide stance, and into a squat. Use the deep positioning of your squat to propel yourself back up into your crisscross position more efficiently.Continue this in and out motion for at least 10 times per set. Giving yourself a short break, just a few seconds, and continue your next set. Shoot for three to five sets. Use this move as a warm-up or incorporate into a lower body workout, giving you a cardio pick-me-up.

— Marlo Alleva, an instructor at Gold’s Gym and group fitness coordinator at Fontaine-Gills YMCA, in Lakeland, Florida, can be reached at faluvzpa@msn.com.